How to Create an Outdoor Pallet Wood Wall

There are so many creative ways to breathe new life into wood pallets. For this easy project, we used wood stain to repurpose pallets into the perfect backdrop for an outdoor space.

You can also use the steps in this project to refresh wooden outdoor furniture and surfaces with wood stain. 

Cost: $
Skill Level: Beginner
Duration: 2 days

Jump to Supplies
STEP 1

Clean

Begin by preparing your surface. Remove any decorative items and/or nails from the wood. Using SuperDeck® Deck Wash, thoroughly wash and rinse the surface. Allow the pallets to dry for 24 hours.

STEP 2

Prep Surface

Sand any rough patches, then secure any loose pieces of wood with wood glue. 

STEP 3

Protect

Lay a canvas drop cloth down beneath the pallets to protect nearby surfaces from stain splatters.

STEP 4

Prep Stain

Prepare your stain according to the instructions on the label. 

Tip: Before applying the stain, use a spray bottle filled with water to lightly mist the surface of the wood. This will help to blend any visible strokes from the brush.

Tip: There are several ways to apply stain. Depending on how large your surface is and how much time you can devote to your project, you may prefer to apply stain with a paintbrush, nap roller or spray gun. To preserve the rustic vibe of the pallets and cover hard-to-reach spots, we recommend using a brush for this project.

STEP 5

Apply Stain

Using your brush, apply the stain to your pallets in an even coat, working from top to bottom to prevent uneven dripping. We use SW 3570 Pacific Pine exterior stain color to create a dark backdrop that really elevates plants exuberant colors.

Tip: Don't forget to wear gloves!

Tip: Because SuperDeck® Semi-Transparent Stain is water-based, cleanups can be handled easily with soap and water. Be sure to clean any drops or spills as you go.

Tip: Always clean your brushes for future use. Learn how to properly store and dispose of paint here.

STEP 6

Let Dry

Let dry between coats. For this project, we applied two coats to allow the wood grain to show through. Once the staining is finished, allow the pallets to dry for at least 24 hours.

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